Company Logo

February 04, 2008

THE JOURNEY TO GREEN LIVING

I have always cared about the environment but about a year and half ago I made a commitment to myself to do more. In the past I had always recycled, I drove a hybrid, but I never brought it any further and when I tried I felt so overwhelmed at all the areas I needed to pay attention to.

In my commitment I gave myself permission to make the changes gradually. After all drastic changes rarely stick. I needed to change my lifestyle. So I made a goal to improve on one thing at a time, when that items became easier I moved onto the next one. Before long I was using or bring bags to the grocery store, eating locally grown foods, and buying biodegradable detergents. I am still on the journey to living healthier and cleaner, I do not believe we are ever done; it is not a destination.

Below is list of things you can do to make your life healthier and cleaner. I am by far not an expert and would comments on what you are doing to improve your surroundings. This list is complied both from my experience and articles written in the Minnetonka Newsletter and Realtor Magazine.

1) Changing out light bulbs is big energy saver. I chose to make the change slowly; I changed out the light bulbs as the current ones burned out. I purchased Compact Florescent or LED bulbs to replace the old ones.

2) Buying Locally grown foods. Not only does this support our local economy but the pollution created in shipping is drastically reduced. In addition to buying local, you can eat foods when they are in season. Most foods are shipped from half way around the world when they are not in season in your backyard.

3) Buy biodegradable detergents. I have had great experiences with seventh generation for my cleaning supplies, and Ecos is a great laundry detergent. Downey recently came out with a biodegradable fabric softener.

This is by no means a comprehensive list and look forward to future tips on being green every month!!! If you have questions please feel free to call or email me at cherikuhn@watersrealtymn.com or 612-865-9150. You can also visit my website at www.watersrealtymn.com for up to date real estate information!

Comments

THE JOURNEY TO GREEN LIVING

I have always cared about the environment but about a year and half ago I made a commitment to myself to do more. In the past I had always recycled, I drove a hybrid, but I never brought it any further and when I tried I felt so overwhelmed at all the areas I needed to pay attention to.

In my commitment I gave myself permission to make the changes gradually. After all drastic changes rarely stick. I needed to change my lifestyle. So I made a goal to improve on one thing at a time, when that items became easier I moved onto the next one. Before long I was using or bring bags to the grocery store, eating locally grown foods, and buying biodegradable detergents. I am still on the journey to living healthier and cleaner, I do not believe we are ever done; it is not a destination.

Below is list of things you can do to make your life healthier and cleaner. I am by far not an expert and would comments on what you are doing to improve your surroundings. This list is complied both from my experience and articles written in the Minnetonka Newsletter and Realtor Magazine.

1) Changing out light bulbs is big energy saver. I chose to make the change slowly; I changed out the light bulbs as the current ones burned out. I purchased Compact Florescent or LED bulbs to replace the old ones.

2) Buying Locally grown foods. Not only does this support our local economy but the pollution created in shipping is drastically reduced. In addition to buying local, you can eat foods when they are in season. Most foods are shipped from half way around the world when they are not in season in your backyard.

3) Buy biodegradable detergents. I have had great experiences with seventh generation for my cleaning supplies, and Ecos is a great laundry detergent. Downey recently came out with a biodegradable fabric softener.

This is by no means a comprehensive list and look forward to future tips on being green every month!!! If you have questions please feel free to call or email me at cherikuhn@watersrealtymn.com or 612-865-9150. You can also visit my website at www.watersrealtymn.com for up to date real estate information!